lamme



(No Model.)

B. G. LAMME. ALTERNATING oIIRRRNT REGULATION AND DISTRIBUTION.

Patented May 4,1897.

Flag].

W/TNESSES:

A TTORNE Y6 Unrrnn Tarts farnn'r @rrtcn.

BENJAMIN G. LAMME, OF II'FSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE IVESTINGIIOUSE ELECTRIC AND MANUFACTURING COIllPA-NY, OF SAME PLACE.

ALTERNATHdC-CURRENT REGULATEQN ANU DiSTRlf-EUTEON.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 582,131, dated May 4, 1897.

Application filed March 2'7, 1393. $erial No. 467,752. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern; theoretical existence as the outcome of the Be it known that I, BENJAMIN G. LAMME, a interaction of the impressed and the counter citizen of the United States, residingin Pittselectromotive force in any given system burg, in the county of Allegheny and State wherein counter eleetromotive force exists,

5 of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and such resultant electromotive-force wave may 55 useful Improvement in Alternatirig-Current be either a little later than the impressed Regulation and Distribution, (Case No. 51-5,) electromotive force wave in attaining its of which the following is a specification. maximum or it may precede the occurrence My invention relates to systems of alterof maximum in the impressed electromotive- 1o hating-current distribution; and it has for force wave. In the former case this resultant 60 one of its objects to provide a method of and eleetromotive-force wave and the currenta means for electrodynamically controlling wave which goes with it are said to lag beand adjusting the phase relation between the hind the electromotive-force wave, by which currentand electromotive-force wavesin such is meant the main or impressed electromesystems. tive-forcc wave, and in the latter case the re- 6 5 Another object of my invention is the disultant and the accompanying current-wave minishing of losses due to the magnetizingare said to be in advance of or to precede the current which passes through the coils of cerelectromotive-force wave. Either of these retain classes of translating devices at all times, sults, when present in the circuit fed by a whether they be at work or idle. given generator, imparts a disturbing cle- 70 Another object of my invention is the regment to the regulation of such generator, the ulation of lights and kindred translating deone, as shown above, resulting in the weakvices wherein changes in potential drop are ening of the field-magnet and a consequent occasioned by changes in load or otherwise. drop in the potential of the machine for a In the feeding of translating devices from given armature speed and the other having 75 an alternating-current system the relation be the opposite effect. tween the current and electromotive-force \Vhere non-synchronous motors or other waves has an important bearing upon the regtranslatingdevices having self-induction are ulation of the generator by reason of its efpresent in an alternating system, there is at 0 fect upon the magnetic reaction between the all times a choking-coil effect due to the self- 80 armature and field-magnet. If the current induction of their windings. Thisvarieswith and electromotive-force waves could be kept the work done, but is present whether work in step, the reaction of the armature upon is being done or not. This choking-coilclfect the field-magnet would be practically zero, serves to make the current-wave lag behind 3 5 inasmuch as the point of maximum current, the impressed electromotive-force wave, and S5 and therefore of maximum magnetization, therefore produces a disturbing effect in the would occur half-way between adjacent poles. generator and the external circuit, as noted If, however, from any cause the current-wave above. It is one purpose of my invention to lags behind the eleetromotive-forcewave,the counteract this effect, so as to reduce to a field-magnet of the generatoris weakened by minimum disturbances in the generator and 90 the reaction of the armature magnetism, and in the external circuit due to the presence in regulation is to that extent disturbed. On the circuit of translating devices having selfthe other hand, when the current-wave is in induction. advance of the impressed electromotivo-foree I have found that by employing one or more wave the opposite effect is produced upon the synchronous motors in connection with cir- 9 5 field-magnets, and they are strengthened by cuits supplying non-synchronous motors or the reaction of the armature magnetism. other translating devices having self-induc- \Vhile the current-wave in any alternating tion I am able to compensate for the lagging current system is always in step with a reeffect due to such self-induction. Such mosultant electromotive-force wave which has a tors may also be employed for correcting the loo difference in phase between current and electromotive-force waves in a circuit where the current-wave is in advance of the electrometive-force wave, provided such a condition exists. It a synchronous motor be included in an alternating-current circuit with a given load thereon, it will take a minimum current from the line for a particular degree of fieldmagnet excitation, provided there is no other appreciable load upon the circuit, but a variation of the field excitation of the motor either above or below this critical degree of excitation will cause an increased flow of current. If the load remains constant and the field-magnet excitation of the motor is less than is required to enable it to take the minimum amount of current from the circuit, it must act as a chokingcoil in the circuit by reason of the fact that its invariable speed precludes it from taking the excess of current supplied to the circuit. If, on the other hand, the field-magnet of the synchronous motor be excited above the degree required for the minimum current, thus producing an excessive counter electromotive force, such counter electromotive force will have the opposite effect to that above described2. 6., it will create a lead of the current over the impressed electromotive force or, as it is sometimes termed, a negative lag. It will thus be seen that the counter electromotive force of the synchronous motor may be so regulated as to counteract any displaeem ent of phase between current and electromotive force which may exist in the circuits with which it is connected and thus prevent disturbances in the main generator due to such existing phase displacement.

Another obj cct which is attained by the use of the invention is the virtual supply of the magnetizing-current taken by non-synehro nous motors by means of the synchronousmotor counter electromotive force. This magnetizing-current which passes at all times through non-synchronous or Tesla motors and other translating devices having self-induction connected in a working circuit, even when they are carrying no load, involves considerable losses when it is carried through long mains from a distant generator, as has heretofore been the case. By the use of my invention this current is virtually supplied from the non-synchronous motor itself, and as this motor may be located near the coils which take the magnetizing-current the loss of energy on the mains is greatly lessened.

It will thus be seen that my invention contcm plates a system of regulation whereby disturbanccs in potential at the generator are substantially avoided and whereby energy otherwise lost is, to a great extent, saved. Of course my invention is adapted to a system having converters in line as well as to one wherein current is directly transmitted from a primary generator.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the invention, and Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration in detail of a regulator embodying one means wherebyits counter electromotive force may be varied.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings, 1 is the main source of current, which is shown as a throcphase generator-supplying current to threephase distributing-mains 1 1 l, but it will be understood that the invention is not limited to systems of distribution having any specificnumberofphases. Lampsorkindred translating devices 2 are shown as supplied with current from mains 1 1 1 through branches 2 2 2 and meters of the non-syn chronous or Tesla type 3 are shown as supplied from the main conductors through branches 3 3" 3 dis a synchronous motor which is connected across the three-phase circuit 1 l 1 and is employed for correcting the phase dil'l'ereuce between the current and electromotive force in such circuit. The motor I is also shown as proved with a belt 6 for transmitl ing me chanical energy to a pulley 7. It will thus be seen that one or more synchronous motors may be employed in a system of electrical distribution for both phase regulation and power production.

Another use for my invention is in connection with lights 2, wherein changes of load occasioned by cutting lamps in or out may be effected and where this change of load produces changes in potential drop requiring changes of impressed electromotive l'orce. Instead of effecting this regulation at the main generator, and thus changing the potential upon the whole system fed therefrom, the potential on these lights may be controlled by the regulation of the counter electrometive force of the motor it. I may also provide an ammeter 8, so placed in one of the main branches leading to the synchronous motor and translating devices as to measure all the current utilized by the same. Under any given conditions of load there will be a critical counter electromotive force opposed by the motor 4 corresponding to a minimum current supplied, which it is desirable to maintain, as has been'already stated. By observing the ammeter 8, therefore, and occasionally varying the field-magnct strength of the motor 4 to secure and maintain a minimum reading of the ammeter the proper regulation may be secured.

In Fig. 2 I have shown, on an enlarged scale, a synchronous motor t, provided with an adjustable rheostat 5, for varying its holdmagnet excitation. For convenience of illustration a singlephase motor is shown, which is provided with two collecting-rings a a and with brushes Z) 1), bearing thereon. The d riving-current for the motor is supplied to the brushes b I) through conductors c c. The main armature-winding (Z is connected at its respective ends to the rings a a, and a supplemental armature-winding d is connected at its ends to the segments of a commutatorcylinder Brushes e e cooperatewith the commutator e and supply current to the fieldmagnet windingf thro ugh the adjustable rheostat 5.

It will be understood from this construction and arrangement that the field-magnet excitation, and consequently the counter electromotive force of the motor 4, maybe varied at will.

It will also be understood that the motor ficldmagnetmay be excited either partially or wholly by current from an independent source, if desired.

My invention comprises, broadly, the methods of regulation which are herein disclosed, as well as electrodynamic phase-controllers of any construction suitable for effecting the results hereinbefore set forth.

I claim as my invention 1. The method of harmonizing the phase relation between current and clectromotive force in an alternating-current circuit, which consists in counteracting the existing displacement of phase by adding to the existing waves of current and electromotive force, independent corrective waves which are generated by the inductive action between the armature and held of an electrodynamic phasecontroller, and which bear such relation to the existing waves as to establish a substantially harmonious relation.

2. The method of advancing an alternating current relatively to the clectromotive force which produces it, and so overcomin the lag of such current by establishing a relation of substantial harmony, which consists in generatin g by the inductive action between the armature and field of an electrodynamic phase-controller an independent corrective current in the circuit which bears an advanced relation to the existing clectromotive force sufficient to overcome or neutralize the lag, as set forth.

3. The method of regulating the potential in an alternating-current circuit, which consists in adding to or superimposing upon the existing waves of current and clectromotive force in the circuit independent corrective or modifying waves of such phase relation as to advance the main current relatively to its clectromotive force and varying or regulating the action of such modifying waves in accordance with changes in the nature and amount of the load in the circuit, as set forth.

4:. The method of compensating for drop of potential due to increase of load in an alternatingcurrent system which consists in advancing the current relatively to the electro motive force so as to maintain it in leading relation to the clectromotive force, by the inductive action in an electrodynamic mechanism independent of the main source of current and connected to such circuit, and thereby, in effect, creating a negative inductance of the proper amount.

5. The method of controlling the phase rela tion between current and clectromotive force in an alternating circuit,which consists in adj ustin g the field strength of a synchronous d ynamo electric machine in correspondence with the phase relation desired, and thereby producim such corrective or modifying influence as will establish the desired phase relation, as set forth.

6. The method of controlling the phase relation between current and clectromotive force in an alternating circuit,which consists in increasing or diminishing the field strength of a synchronous dynamo-electric machine cou pled in shunt in said circuit, until the lead or lag of pl tse thereby secured establishes the desired resultant relation between current and clectromotive force, as set forth.

7. The method of preventing disturbances in regulation of a generator of alternating currents, due to phase lag; which consists in putting a synchronous motor in circuit with said generator, and adjusting the field-magnet strength of said motor so as to produce an advance-wave displacement equal to the lag to be overcome, substantially as described.

8. The method of regulating electric systoms of distribution independently at various points of translation without materially affecting the voltage of the common generator; which consists in putting into circuit one or more synchronous motors at or near such points of translation, and varying the coun ter clectromotive force of such motor or motors t regulate the currents utilized, substantially as described.

0. The method of regulating electric systoms of distribution independently at various points of translation; which consists in putting into circuit one or more synchronous meters at or near such points of translation and varying the counter clectromotive force of such motor or motors so as to keep the current supplied at aminimum, substantially as described.

10. The combination with an alternatingcurrent electric circuit or systems possessing self-induction, of a synchronous motor having its armature connected with the circuit and adapted or adjusted by the excitation of its field to impress an clectromotive force in advance of that of the current in the circuit that will neutralize the lagging component of the current, as set forth.

ll. The combination in an alternating-current circuit with a translating device possessing self-induction, of a synchronous motor, the armature of which is in a shunt-circuit to the translating device, and means for increasing the excitation of its field to a degree that will neutralize the lagging component of the current in the circuit, as set forth.

152. In a system of electrical distribution, an alternator and independent groups of translating devices deriving energy therefrom, in combination with one or more synchronous motors in circuit at or near each of said groups, and means whereby the counter electromotive force of such motor or motors may be varied, substantially as described.

13. In a system of electrical distribution, an alternator, and translating devices fed thereby, the current phase of which is later than the electromotive-force phase of said alternator, in combination with a synchro nous motor in the circuit of said alternator, near said translating devices, said motor having a counter electromotive force superior to the potential difference on the line at the translating devices, substantially as described.

li. In a system of electrical distribution, an alternator, and translating devices fed BENJ. G. LAMME.

Vitnesses:

Janus WM. Snrrut, HAROLD S. MAcKA YE. 

